Gordon Gregory Limburg

Gordy was born in Detroit, Michigan to Frank and Elvie Limburg on August 14, 1927. He went to school at McKenzie High School, Detroit, MI. He graduated from Wayne State University where he studied music and accounting. Gordy was a veteran of WWII and served in the U.S. Coast Guard and released from active duty on June 6, 1946 as Seaman second class. After working in accounting for several manufacturing companies in the Detroit area, he was hired by the city of Plymouth, MI as their City Clerk and Finance Director, retiring after nearly 20 years. He married Judith (Judy) McLane on December 26, 1981in Germantown, TN.

Gordy’s musical education and love of music would focus much of his entire life on vocal music once he experienced the fun of singing in his high school chorus. While in college he auditioned and was accepted into WSU’s “Make Way for Youth Chorus.” This choral group performed weekly on WJR, a major radio station in Detroit. Later he professionally sang with the Don Large Chorus and appeared on the Wayne King weekly television show out of Chicago.

But it would be his introduction to barbershop quartet and chorus singing in 1947 that would take him in a new direction for the next 40 years. His excellent baritone voice became recognized when his quartets, the Sharpkeepers were District Champs in 1957 and the Notaries, in 1964. The Sharpkeepers also placed 11th in International competition in 1958. During this time, Gordy would also use his directing talents to lead several male, female and mixed choruses in the Detroit, MI area and Scottsdale, AZ over these many years. While in Michigan, he directed the 80-man Wayne Wonderland Chorus to two district championships and in 1975 he directed them in the International Chorus competition in Indianapolis, IN. At the time of his death, he was a 71-year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Gordy loved golf and volunteered for many tournaments while living in Arizona. He especially enjoyed the 9 hole golf course at the Hiawatha Club in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan while spending summers at the cottage. The cottage had a very special place in his heart and he treasured the time and memories there.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Judy Limburg, (children); Holly Beck of Peyton, CO, Dr. Kenneth Limburg, MD of New London, NH, Robert Limburg of DeLand, FL, Susan Limburg of Des Moines, WA, Andrew Limburg of Tallahassee, FL, (grandchildren); Joe Mergl, Sayre Limburg, Emma Limburg, Shari Limburg, Paula Limburg, Jay Hergert, Ellie Hergert, Adrianna Limburg, and Joshua Limburg; (great-grandchildren) Dylan Mergl, Samantha Mergl, Ivy Limburg, Alexander Limburg and Noah Hergert.

Funeral services are not being planned at this time. Memorial or celebration of life service will be planned in the future when family and friends located far away can plan their travel.

Memorials may be given to The Harmony Foundation of the Barbershop Harmony Society, 110 Seventh Avenue North, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-823-5611. On behalf of our entire family, we wish to thank the many numerous medical care-givers who cared for Gordy. And, we are forever grateful for the prayers and support from all our families, friends and church families who prayed and expressed their love for him during these past months.